Tassels were orginally used (and still are) as a way to stop the unraveling of a weaving. It was seen as a sign of prestige, because only the wealthy wore fine woven cloth. In the 16th century the French started the art of passementerie. It took 7 years to be fully trained and the tassels would be sold for thousands of dollars made in fine silks. Now everyone can create a tassel out of threads, leather, and cloth.